Establishing the mood with a spiritual frequency and textured, deep house drums with astral nuances, Cylus opens Control with echoing, ethereal vocals and introspective prose, as we embark upon an intimate and hypnotic journey with the talented, emerging producer from Los Angeles.
The opus expands with intricacy and dimensionality, tapping into a meditative vibe, and needless to say, we are fully captivated. The composition switches up with an almost ancestral energy, as if we have tripped into a DMT reality or a sequel of Avatar. Control feels akin to a prophetic journey, and an exploration of the human condition wrapped in cosmic soundscapes and poignant lyricism. We appreciate the vocal design changes, delivering dynamism and keeping us enthralled throughout.
We learn that Cylus is a one-man symphony of guitars, drums, piano, and vocals, weaving a cerebral narrative that is designed to resonate with the existential longing we all feel when life’s routines begin to strangle our sense of self. Control was recorded in the intimate confines of his Los Angeles bedroom, created with the intention to capture the raw, unfiltered emotions that emerge when one decides to break free from the chains of predictability.
Cylus has been shaping his sound since he was eight years old, crafting beats that echo the future. His inspirations are futuristic visionaries like Illenium, Odesza, Flume, Fred again.., Bon Iver, and Childish Gambino, which comes through in his artistry, although there is no doubt that the multi-disciplinary artist is manifesting a universe of his own, infusing his music with a sense of otherworldliness, creating what can only be described as a healing dimension.
With Control, Cylus shares a deeply personal story, one that many will find achingly familiar. The song is a meditation on the feeling of being stuck in a life that no longer satisfies, of feeling out of touch with the world and oneself. This sensation, so beautifully encapsulated in his haunting melodies and introspective lyrics, grows until it becomes unbearable, leading to a pivotal moment of decision – the choice to embrace the unknown, to jump like Geronimo into a new existence. The track becomes a metaphorical leap, where the thrill of losing control gives birth to the excitement of new beginnings.
Interestingly, the vocals on this track mark Cylus’ debut as a singer. Initially searching for someone to bring his lyrics to life, Cylus ultimately took the bold step of recording his own voice – a decision that perfectly mirrors the song’s theme of self-discovery and embracing the unfamiliar. The result is unexpectedly profound, adding an authentic layer to the song’s narrative, making it not just a tale of transformation but a real-life embodiment of it.
We deeply connect with the immersive and cathartic nature of Control and have added the song to our New Music Spotlight playlist, our TRIPPY playlist and our new TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to explore Cylus‘ wider discography including Feel It, Organic Earth, and Lovin u. In a world where many of us feel trapped by our routines and obligations, Control stands as a reminder that the power to change is within us all. It’s a song for anyone who has ever felt the weight of monotony and dared to dream of something more. As we listen, we find the courage to take our own leap of faith, trusting that on the other side lies a more vibrant, fulfilled version of ourselves.